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My son had the Vette out and lost oil pressure. He was about 15 miles from home and the gauge went to zero. He decided to drive the rest of the way home. I checked the oil level and it's not low on oil. Do you think it's an oil pump ? Would 15 miles damage the engine ? Whats my next step ?
Yup, very possible. You should be able to see inside the valve covers (though filler or breather) to see if oil is circulating over the rockers. Or take the V/C off and start the car, oil should start pouring out all over the place.
the kid needs a smack though for continuing to drive it
As Gordon said, the engine would have seized without pressure before 15 miles. I bought a gauge they sell for Harley motorcycles that with a little plumbing screws directly into the block behind the intake. I use this on starting a fresh or unknown engine or checking another gauge. The gauge costs about $30. As stated, a good guess would be the sender having gone bad.
If it is an electric oil sending unit, then take the wire off the sending unit and ground it. The guage should peg to the high side. If not then maybe the wire is broken somewhere or the guage has died.
I had a long talk. I wasn't too hard on him because I have always stressed not leaving the Corvette sit anywhere.I explained there are exeptions. LIKE NO OIL PRESSURE.